Back to Media Home Page

MARSHFIELD - Summer in Marshfield just isn’t summer without a Campus Community Players musical.

For 40 years, this UW-Marshfield/Wood County theatre program, which also relies on members of the community in its productions, has been producing at least one major musical per summer.  The Helen Connor Laird Theatre has been everything from the plains of Oklahoma, to the enchanted land of Camelot, from the politically charged Buenos Aires and to the deck of the HMS Pinafore.

“This campus has seen some amazing musicals,” said Steven Decker, UW-M/WC theatre professor and director of Campus Community Players since August 2004.  Decker is seeking input from the community on a summer musical.

The campus’ tradition of musicals began with Greg Rindfleisch, theatre professor emeritus, currently wintering in Arizona, who built the theatre program from the ground up.  His first musical was “Ernest in Love” in academic year 1966-67.  His last musical was “Annie” in 2003-2004.

“The tradition of the quality of  Greg’s musicals is incredible,” Decker said.  “There were a huge number of people involved in his productions.  The history Greg created here is really exciting. I’ve looked at the video tapes of his productions, and they had a wonderful theatrical energy.”

Bob Biederwolf, retired UW-M/WC music director, directed the orchestra for several of the musicals during his 26-year tenure at the campus.  He recalls the sense of camaraderie that developed among all the participants.

“Even now, some of the people who played in those orchestras still talk about it,” Biederwolf said. “It really made everybody feel good – night after night of standing-room-only audiences.”

“There’s a wonderful social aspect that comes from having a shared experience around the creative process,” agreed Decker. “They say ‘theatre changes lives.’ That’s certainly true.  Those involved make friends for life.  And as an audience, people leave the theatre enlightened and entertained.”

Greg Reierson, vocal music director at Marshfield Senior High School, spent many summers on the Helen Connor Laird Theatre stage. His first stint as vocal music director was in academic year 1985-1986, during the Campus Community Players production of “Evita.”  His leading roles included Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” Curley in “Oklahoma” and Daddy Warbucks in “Annie.”

“I really enjoyed those musicals,” he said. “I enjoyed the vocal directing; it helped keep me sharp for my regular job.  It’s a different game.  Directing choir is all about blend and choral tone. When you do musicals, it’s still about good singing, but it’s also about character … It’s kind of fun to help people develop a singing character.”

Lori Zimmerman, Marshfield, performed in three Campus Community Players summer musicals:  No, No, Nanette; Anything Goes and Godspell.

“It was fun,” said Zimmerman, who now is kept too busy with her teenage children to audition. “I like singing and the people are great.  It’s a really wonderful experience.  Obviously some people make their living (singing and acting) in musicals.  Most of us in Campus Community Players productions aren’t that good.  But for a few weeks, you can feel like you are.”

Those interested in performing in the 2006-2007 summer musical – or the April production of “Crimes of the Heart” – can contact Decker at 715-389-6543 or sdecker@uwc.edu.